Amazon Kindle Fire HD and Kindle Fire 7-inch tablets ship in UK

Things you might also like

Amazon has started to ship its 7-inch tablet devices in the UK just two days after Apple announced its pricier iPad equivalent, the iPad mini.

Both the Kindle Fire HD and Kindle Fire devices have been arriving on the doorsteps of those who pre-ordered them today. And the device is now available to all, with delivery dates listed as normal. Amazon Prime subscribers can even have their device delivered by tomorrow.

Customer reviews of both tablets have started to appear on Amazon already, with generally positive responses. "For me, better than my iPad," says Crafty Marie about her new Fire HD. "Delighted, I love it!" exclaims Love Reading. Although Bronn adds a caveat to his review: "Great device (shame about the content)," his headline reads.

In addition to the tablets finally going on sale in the UK, the Amazon-owned Lovefilm has announced that its movie-streaming service is available on both devices from day one.

For existing subscribers, it's a doddle to set up - just enter your details and away you go - but those new to the service can try its wares for one month free.

Unlike on the iPad, for example, where it comes in the form of an app, Lovefilm on the Kindle Fire tablets is "deeply integrated". Users can set up a "Watch List", which is essentially a playlist of movies and TV shows that can be added to with no limit.

The Kindle's famed Whispersync technology works on video streaming as well as books. Watch content on one device and it can be paused and continued on another. And "X-ray for Movies" is a version of the technology found on the company's eBook readers, although in this case it accesses IMDB in order to provide extensive details on the clip you are currently viewing, such as cast, crew, synopsis, etc.

Its better-specified stablemate, the Kindle Fire HD (1280 x 800) comes in both 16GB and 32GB flavours which cost £159 and £199 respectively. Add an extra £10 each if you want either ad and special offer-free.

Pocket-lint will be posting an extensive, exhaustive and detailed full review of the Kindle Fire HD soon.

Have you got either the Kindle Fire or Kindle Fire HD? If so, what's your initial thoughts? Let us know in the comments below...